In this episode of the The Wedding Planning Series, we’re chatting all things wedding invitations and RSVPs—because let’s be real, getting those invites out and RSVPs back is way more complex than just popping them in the post.

We’re breaking down the different types of invites: traditional paper, digital, and hybrid, so you can figure out what works best for your big day. Plus, we’ll talk timelines—like, when exactly should you be sending out those invites? Spoiler: it depends if you’ve already sent a save-the-date!

We’re also diving into why more couples are turning to digital invitations and wedding websites (seriously, they’re a game changer), and sharing tips on how to make sure your invites not only look fab but also reflect your wedding vibe.

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...

We’re all about crafting a personalized wedding vibe and in this episode of The Wedding Planning Series, we are uncovering the key visual elements that make your wedding style truly one-of-a-kind. We dive into popular trends like vintage and modern, and highlight must-haves like florals and stationery. We’ll help you find that sweet spot between creativity and budget, while making sure it all reflects your personal flair as a couple.

We also share practical tips and real-world examples to help bring your wedding styling dreams to life. From chatting with vendors like florists and decor experts to making sure everything from furniture to linens fits your theme, we’ve got you covered. With loads of discussion around budgeting, DIY options, and the creative process, you’ll walk away knowing how to make your wedding day not only gorgeous but also deeply personal.

Links
The Wonderful World and Cost Truths of Wedding Florals: A Conversation with Sir Botanical
https://www.cutthecakepodcast.com.au/episodes/sirbotanical

Mellyrain Creative Styling
https://mellyrain.com.au/style

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...

In this episode of The Wedding Planning Series, we’re diving into one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning—finding the perfect wedding dress and suit! Whether you’re a bride, groom, or both, this episode is packed with helpful tips and advice on choosing attire that suits your style, budget, and the season. We cover everything from classic wedding dress silhouettes like A-line and mermaid, to sleek suits and tuxedos for every type of celebration.

We’ll also guide you through the best places to shop—bridal boutiques, second-hand gems, and even designer trunk shows—so you can find the perfect outfit without breaking the bank. For those wanting something truly unique, we explore the benefits of custom and couture attire, where you can add personal touches and ensure a flawless fit.

Lastly, we discuss timelines and fittings, making sure you’re prepared well in advance of your big day. You’ll get some final tips on trusting your gut, staying comfortable, and always having a backup plan. Tune in and get ready to look and feel amazing on your wedding da

Other Episodes to Note:
The Art of Couture Bridal Wear: A Sustainable Approach to Dress Design
https://www.cutthecakepodcast.com.au/episodes/olivia-waters-couture

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...

In this episode of our wedding planning podcast, we’re back at it, getting one step closer to our dream wedding day—this time, it’s all about locking in the last few vendors. We’re talking all the key players who’ll set the vibe and make sure everything runs without a hitch on the big day. Following up on the last chat where we tackled the must-have vendors like caterers and photographers, today we’re diving into DJs, MCs, hair and makeup artists, transport, and of course—the all-important wedding cake. We’ll touch on everything from costs to what to ask and how to set expectations.

Along the way, we’ll chat about our love for cake (who doesn’t have a soft spot for a good slice?) and the vital role of a professional MC to keep the reception running like clockwork. While it might seem a bit full-on when you think about organising hair, makeup, and transport, don’t worry—we’ll break it all down, stay chill, and keep things moving smoothly. These vendors, while sometimes easy to overlook, are total game-changers in pulling everything together for the big day, and we can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks with you!

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...

In this episode of our "12 Steps from Engaged to I Do" series, we’re focusing on Booking Your Key Vendors First. We’re diving into why you need to book key vendors like caterers, celebrants, photographers, and videographers early in the planning process. Since many of these vendors only handle one wedding per day, locking them in ahead of time ensures you secure your preferred team for the big day.

Catering can be one of the larger expenses, especially if your venue doesn’t include it, and the type of catering you choose will impact your budget significantly. Similarly, finding the right celebrant is crucial, not only to make your wedding official but also to ensure your ceremony feels meaningful. When it comes to capturing memories, photographers are a must-have, and their unique style is something to consider carefully. Videographers, though often overlooked, add an extra layer by capturing the emotion and motion of your day, allowing you to relive those moments over and over.

When reaching out to vendors, doing a little research first will save time and help you find the right match. Review their work online, check price guides to ensure they fit your budget, and provide detailed information in your initial enquiry to receive a more accurate quote. Also, be patient while waiting for responses, and don’t hesitate to ask about package flexibility if needed. If you choose not to move forward with a vendor, letting them know is a polite and appreciated gesture.

To wrap things up, booking your key vendors early will set the stage for a smooth wedding day. In the next episode, we’ll discuss other important vendors and offer more tips for making the planning process stress-free. Thanks for listening!

Other Episodes Mentioned:
The Role and Value of a Celebrant: A Conversation with Marry Us Mich
https://www.cutthecakepodcast.com.au/episodes/marry-us-mich

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...

In this engaging episode of "Cut the Cake," we dive into the crucial step of sending out save the dates for weddings.

Step three in our Wedding Planning Series highlights the importance and perfect timing for this essential pre-invitation. We explore how save the dates give guests a heads-up on your wedding date and location, especially for those traveling from afar, helping make the planning process smoother for everyone.

We share tips on designing save the dates and discuss the pros and cons of physical versus digital formats. Save the dates are such a fun way to set the tone for your big day while playing a key role in guest management.

From nailing down the timeline and budget to making sure you’ve got a backup plan in case the guest list changes, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we offer practical tips like using CRM systems for email save the dates and ordering extra physical ones just in case!

Resources mentioned:
The Event Wanderer Co. Guest Planning Spreadsheet: https://eventwandererco.com.au/pages/planning

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...

In this episode of The Wedding Planning Series, we’re diving into one of the biggest steps in wedding planning – finding the perfect venue!

Whether you're dreaming of a rustic barn or a chic city warehouse, the right venue sets the tone for your big day.

We’ll break down the process into four simple steps, from creating your vision and checklist to visiting venues and making the final decision.

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...

In this episode of the The Wedding Planning Series, we dive into two of the most pivotal aspects of planning a wedding: creating a budget and organising the guest list. Starting with a light-hearted chat about hot chocolate preferences and some personal stories, our easy-going banter sets the tone for an informative session.

We cover the critical first steps of wedding planning, stressing the importance of setting a clear budget and prioritising the non-negotiables. We explain the tedious but essential task of researching vendor costs and putting together a detailed spreadsheet to visualise expenses. We also tackle the tricky dynamics of guest lists, offering practical advice on managing family expectations and categorising potential guests. This episode is packed with useful tips, ensuring listeners are well-prepared to kick off their wedding planning on the right foot.

Key Takeaways:

• Assessing Finances: Figure out where your wedding funds are coming from, whether it’s personal savings, family contributions, or loans. Clear communication about financial expectations helps prevent future conflicts.
• Prioritise Must-Haves: Identify and list the non-negotiable elements for your wedding day. This could be certain vendors, the venue’s look and feel, or specific services.
• Research Vendor Costs: Reach out to multiple vendors to get an idea of pricing. Use spreadsheets to compare and consolidate this information, helping to create a realistic wedding budget.
• Guest List Strategy: Make an initial list of potential guests, then categorise them using a traffic light system (Green for yes, Orange for maybe, Red for no). Be mindful of capacity and budget constraints.
• Family Contributions: If family contributions affect the guest list, be clear and set boundaries on how many guests they can invite.
  
  

Mellyrain Creative Freebie: Top 16 Wedding Costs Debunked -https://mellyraincreative.myflodesk.com/weddingcostsdebunked

Mellyrain Creative Freebie: Wedding Budget Template - https://mellyraincreative.myflodesk.com/wedding-budget-template

About Melanie
Mel is a coffee-loving, too-loud laughing, Melbourne based wedding planner, stylist and coordinator bringing the #skillz approved by Sia to your open-air aisle, outside the city (yes sirly - she has worked with Sia!) Altering managing world-class events in sport and entertainment (think the Australian Open and Sir Paul McCartney), Melanie has rolled that experience in sunshine and hand-delivered it to couples for a personalised dream wedding experience *yes please* Mel's speciality is helping couples across Melbourne & Regional Victoria. She is a couples go-to and wedding day bestie so the whole wedding she-bang doesn’t become a second full-time job. #nothanks

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
Contact Mel: mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
Contact Tania: eventwandererco.com...